Description

This is one of two murals that were painted in Kapunda well before the current Kapunda Mural Town Project came into being. This mural describes the story of Sir Sidney Kidman, beginning with his life as the young stockman on horse-back, through to his life as the older gentleman and businessman. It depicts the elements and sense of space of Australia's interior with an emphasis on the importance of water and Kidman's vision of a 'back corridor' to overcome the inland droughts. Kidman became one of the best known pioneers of the outback, gaining the title of the 'Cattle King'. He went on to become the biggest pastoral landholder in modern history, eventually owning over 100 stations, (107,000 square miles) running 200,000 cattle and 250,000 sheep. He was also involved in many other successful business ventures and made major contributions to Australia's war effort. In 1885 he married Isabel Wright of Kapunda, there-after making Kapunda his home. He was Knighted in 1921 but was not changed by wealth, power and honours. Though controversial at times, he remained the practical bushman loyally respected by his station managers, workers and fellow businessmen. Kapunda remembers him particularly for the gift of his home 'Eringa' for the purpose of being a high school, his instigation of the Kapunda horse sales (the largest in the southern hemisphere) and his generosity during hard times. The production of this mural was made possible by: Light Regional Council, SA Country Arts, Kapunda Main St Project, Kapunda Post Office, Kapunda residents, Kapunda High School and Peter Maclachlan who designed the mural and coordinated the community participation.